MPP Bell calls on Ford to freeze rent for two years

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Finance Minister Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale) introduced a motion today, calling on Doug Ford to implement a two-year rent freeze for the province’s 1.7 million rent-controlled homes, beginning in 2027:

“Ontarians are hurting,” said Bell. “Renters are telling us costs are so high that they’re cutting back on groceries; skipping medical, dental, and mental health appointments. They’ve given up on saving for emergencies or retirement.

“Housing is the foundation of a stable life, and in Ontario, people are being priced out of that stability. Today, we’re giving the Ford government the chance to finally do something about it, after eight years of letting large corporate landlords get rich off the backs of hard-working Ontarians.

“Doug Ford has made Ontario renters fodder for wealthy property management companies. He killed rent control, made it easier to raise rent above guidelines, and turned the Landlord Tenant board into a mess. It’s time for the Premier to start making life affordable for Ontario families, and implement this two-year rent freeze.”